Hello all, I wanted to give everyone a somewhat encouraging story about my Nissen Fundoplication and GERD situation. I hope this helps anyone who is struggling right now with GERD and gives hope. I also hope this testimony is an informative vignette of what to expect before, during, and after the Nissen Fundoplication surgical option for GERD. Here goes:

I am a 19 year old Male. Father sufferes from GERD but controls it with PPI's (Dexilant 60mg). Father's mother had open fundoplication for GERD which failed, and controls her GERD unsuccessfully with PPI's (Omeprazole). So my condition is genetic.

about 2.5 years ago I started experiencing moderate GERD which I would treat successfully with TUMS. I did this for probably 6 months to a year. One day at school I discovered that I could not eat more than 2 or 3 bites of food without moderate stomach pain, upset stomach, and a complete loss of appetite for the rest of the day. After a week of this, I decided to see a doctor.

I went to my primary physician as was prescribed Opeprazole, one a day before dinner. I was told I most likely had an ulcer from the stomach acid. This medication worked for approx. 6 months until my ulcer returned. My physician told me to start taking 2 omeprazole a day. This also worked, but only for about 6 months and my GERD returned.

My physician then advised me to target and eliminate any problem foods and completely eliminate caffeine and soda. I tried eliminating Gluten, spicy foods, milk, coffee, pop, chocolate you name it, and nothing worked. At this time I was experiencing moderate to severe GERD and a few nighttime episodes of acid coming into the back of my throat (that sucked). Went to see physician again.

She then decided that I had the condition commonly known as GERD. She prescribed me a different type of PPI: dexilant 60mg. once a day before meals. This worked for --you guessed it--about 6 months until it became ineffective. I then increased my dosage to two 60mg dexilant a day to combat my GERD. I was experiencing about 20 episodes/day without the medication, and maybe 1/day with it. After 6-7 months, Dexilant was starting to fail me.

My primary physician referred me to a General Surgeon who frequently performed the Fundolication surgery. He wanted to rule out any other potential issues and examine my esophagus. I had an upper Endoscopy as well as an ultrasound of my bladder. I was diagnosed with a Hiatal Hernia of about 6-7 cm and was told that this, combined with my malfunctioning esophageal sphincter was the source of my troubles.

I was scheduled for surgery on April 15th of this year to repair my hernia and end my GERD for good (description of surgery at bottom). I underwent the surgery which lasted about 2 hours. I went home after 1 night in the hospital. I had gas pain in my shoulders and chest (a residual pain from the gas they inflate the abdomen with for Laproscopic surgery) for 3 weeks.

I took one week off from school and it was a painful week. I could barely climb the stairs or even lay down without gas pain. This subsided gradually however. In the hospital I was given a morphine pump, and once released I was given percoset for pain control which I only used a handful of times to take the edge off the gas pain. I was also given respiratory excercises to do to get my lung volume back up (a side effect of anesthesia is transient decreased lung function).

I drank nothing but water and ice chips for 3 days, after which I ate vanilla pudding and ensure nutritional drinks for two weeks. I then got into soup broths, and jello, as well as some very soft noodles. I only ate what I knew I could handle.

After 6 weeks I was up to eating almost any foods as long as I chewed them to a liquid and swallowed in very small bites. I learned the hard way not to eat large bites, or not chew my food to a liquid. Anyone who has had food stuck in the wrap knows it is not a fun time at all. Your whole esophagus locks up until the food passes. Those times were bad.

I was able to burp, and after 8 weeks I was back to drinking soft drinks regularly. I also began easing in coffee and caffeine into my diet.

Now, 3 months post-op I am still learning to adjust my diet appropriately. I cannot eat more than a fist size of food in a sitting. I eat 4-5 small meals a day in order to maintain a healthy diet and weight. 1.5-2 months post op I was experiencing hypoglycemic episodes (Low blood sugar, intense hunger, weakness, and dizzyness) because I was still trying to only eat 2-3 meals a day. YOU MUST LEARN TO adapt and learn how your body works.

I now do not normally burp, if I want to drink carbonated drinks I must pray for a burp, or wait for the gas to pass all the way through me though I do not experience any pain from stomach gas or carbonation. I also experience rapid onset nausea with certain, yet to be identified foods, which I control with a liquid anti emetic called Emitrol. It is OTC and works fast.

Aside from all that, I have had NO GERD!! None at all since surgery and I am so grateful. The struggles are totally worth the payout for me. No more pain or discomfort, and I lost 25 lbs that I could've definitely spared to lose, and I am now at an appropriate body weight. Besides my body image, I feel better as well because I was forced to start really watching what I eat as well as using correct portions.

Please feel free to ask away any questions you have about the surgery or side effects or experiences. I hope this testimony gives you strength and hope in your battle with GERD.

SURGERY DEscriptION:

I had Laproscopic Nissen Fundoplication. In this surgery, 5 2-3 cm incisions are made in the abdomen for the laproscopic tools. The stomach is freed, pulled out of the hiatus (the hiatus is the hole in your diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. The stomach normally rests under the diaphragm, but in the case of hiatal hernia, the stomach herniates through the hiatus) and the hiatus is stitched back closed. The Fundus (top portion) of the stomach is then wrapped around the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and bottom esophagus and stitched in place to support the LES and prevent reflux. The Lap tools are removed, the abdomen is deflated and the incisions are closed with steri strips (surprisingly no stitches are used). You typically stay in the hospital 1-3 nights and you are normally able to go back to work/school after 1-2 weeks.

Food intolerances don't often go away. It's good you recognize they are the cause of your problems. We've got tons of threads on this subject and keeping a food journal to find the culprits. Also challenge testing.

Many of us over in the allergy forum have food allergies and intolerances. When you identify yours I hope you will post there.

I have had issues with Gerd since I can remember. I am currently 29 years old and I vomit almost every day because I wake up with stomach pain and nausea due to this issue. All I vomit it this green, yellow sour acidic liquid. It's become a morning routine with all this vomiting. I had my gallbladder removed just on June 16th because it was filled with stones. My gastroenterologist thought this was the main issue of my vomiting. It's been over a month that I had my surgery which was done with laser and I still vomit till this day. My surgeon is now suggesting I have this fundoplication surgery. He is having me get an ultrasound of my esophagus and depending on the results I will most likely undergo surgery. I too have a heital hernia but I don't know how big it is. I was just scared of doing the surgery and not having positive results from it. The recovery is difficult but I'm willing to go through it again if this vomiting finally disappears. I have a 2 year old and a 6 month old baby. I worry for my kids the most and I need to be well and healthy. I just want to feel normal again and stop this health issue from controlling my life.

Hi everybody. Well, I am now three days away from my lap nissen. I have been so anxious about it that I have almost made myself sick. You all will think I am silly but I am very self conscious and when I read the position for surgery and that I will be completely naked, I nearly died, ha, ha. The problem is I know the surgeon well as well as many nurses. I am just embarrassed. Were you all awake as they positioned you. I know I am going to very nervous, do you think they will give me something for this? I am so excited about eventually feeling better but am realistic about the time to for everything to heal. Thanks so much for your help and inspiring stories.